What to do when it’s 1 million degrees outside but your kid doesn’t care

These cruel temperatures can be particularly punishing for parents of small kids and toddlers whose boundless energy and unpredictability make spending time outside a really special kind of hell. I never thought I’d be an advocate of staying indoors, but then I moved to Texas. Outside is just too much some days. And wrangling a writhing, sweaty and pissed off three-year-old who just wants to keep swinging, into a boiling hot car, while trying not to brand her with the metal buckle…well I’ll just reserve my words…..

If you’re going to be outside with your kids during the day, it must involve A) Water  or B) frozen treats. If you’re going to be inside, it must be a place where the littles can also move their bodies, make a noise, but not drive you, the poor parents into sensory overwhelm due to all the running and noisemaking.

So here you go my very normal ways to survive the summer with a kiddo in Austin. A growing list.

1.Get into some water. Obviously.

The first few times I came to visit Austin, pre my parent years, we went tubing, visited Pedernales and swam in lots of creeks. When I moved here in 2021 with my tiny human, we had a wet, rainy summer and she had her first outdoor water experiences in Barton Creek. It was heavenly!

But it’s been pretty drought-y the past few years - just the new state if things most likely. Full creeks and safe places to swim are few and far between these days. While I LOVE a good creek swim, for daily cooling down, we head to the pool.

There’s nothing like a dip in the cool flowing waters of Barton Springs. But it’s no food policy and distance from the car park make it a no go option for us, whose ability to function outside of the house relies on a steady stream of snacks. See you when my kid is older, Barton Springs.

My favorite kid friendly pools in North and Central Austin

Taking a dip with an unpredictable toddler? Try these pools on for size.

Deep Eddy Pool

The graduated entry of this spring fed pool, and the available shade make this one a winner. There is a no food policy around the pool to keep the fire ants at bay, but food is allowed up the stairs at the entrance, where you can also get a hot dog or a frozen treat from Jim-Jim’s water ice. Just outside is a small playground and of course the epic Pool Burger just above the parking lot to fill hungry bellies after a good swim.  

North West Park Pool (Beverly Sheffield Park) - Allandale

This is our local public pool favorite for many reasons, despite the small entrance fee. There’s plenty of well shaded grass on which to set up shop for a couple of hours. The main pool has plenty of space for playing, lane swimming and diving for the adventurous big kids and adults alike. A separate and sizable kids pool goes from depth of 1 ft to a maximum 2 ft for wading a paddling. Snacks and food are allowed at the shaded area with tables.

Northwest Pool is due for renovation in 2025 you have a couple more months to enjoy it’s bounty before they close for a couple of years.

Walnut Creek Pool

A new favorite we discovered this year after booking afternoon swim lessons through the City of Austin. The best thing about this pool is that the shallow area takes up a huge section of the pool and there is plenty of space for beginners and non swimmers to paddle and play at the depth that most comfortable for them. The pool is right next to the Walnut Creek playground which has an excellent compound climbing structure and fun roundabout. Oh and this community pool is free!

Indulge in an Austin original frozen treat!

Even when the temperatures are cooler, a cold treat is a sure-fire way to calm my fiery child. We go through bags and bags of frozen mango. Popsicles are a way of life in our house and we bring them to school for an cooling transition treat in the car.

Mom & Pops

I think we found the best popsicles in Austin last weekend, with Mom & Pops who had a cart full of delicious paletas at the Far Out Lounge. We went for classics: Mango, Strawberry lemonade and Cherry Lime, but their flavor range includes things like Abuelo’s Chocolate, Pineapple Basil and El CuCuy which is sweet and spicy cucumber with lime. Their ingredients are organic, locally sourced whenever possible and they compost every piece of fruit that doesn’t go into the popsicle! They list their family values as “familia, healthy living, environmental stewardship, and Keeping Austin Cool!” All things I support whole-heartedly. 

Lick Honest Ice Creams

Another local Austin business that we love to support. Their flavors run the gamut from Texas sheet cake to Roasted beets and fresh mint. I like the Thyme, I like the coffe with cream, myself. But the kid will have honey & vanilla bean with sprinkles please.

Jim-Jim’s Water-Ice

Visit them on 6th street or pick one up at Deep Eddy. Jim-Jim’s serves Italian water ice - pureed frozen fruit and has been a staple of Austin since 1994.

Strap on your skates!

My daughter’s school goes year round so our summer activities are mostly relegated to the weekends. But when we do have a weekday to play, a Skater Tots session at Playland Skate Center is always on the list. Kids aged 1-5 are welcome to skate, scoot or use a balance bike from 9 AM to 12 PM every Tuesday. The entrance fee is $8 per child, including skates (regular or strap on) and skate mates. There’s no charge for adults and no adults are allowed on skates. The kids have the run of the place!

The challenge and physical exertion of a Skater Tots session will usually get us that rare and magical thing called “a nap”. You’re welcome.